The superintendent of Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (ISD), Brad Schnautz, has resigned from his position to accept a new role leading one of Texas’s 20 Education Service Centers. The announcement came on Friday, coinciding with discussions within the district regarding the potential closure of two elementary schools due to ongoing budget challenges.
Schnautz, who joined the district in 2017 and became superintendent in 2023, expressed his mixed feelings about stepping down. In an email to parents, he stated, “While I am truly excited for the opportunity to continue supporting public education across our region, please know that the decision to step down as your superintendent has been an extremely difficult one.”
His resignation will take effect on January 2, 2026. In the interim, the Grapevine-Colleyville Board of Trustees will initiate the search for his successor. Nicole Lyons, the district’s executive director of communications, confirmed that the board will begin this process immediately.
Schnautz will transition to the role of executive director of the District 11 Education Service Center, which serves the Fort Worth area. This center supports local schools by providing resources and training, covering a network that includes 76 public school districts, 17 public charter schools, 115 charter campuses, and 202 private schools.
In his farewell message, Schnautz expressed confidence in the district’s leadership, writing, “I have full confidence in the outstanding team of trustees, educators, administrators, and leaders who will continue to fulfill our mission to prepare, motivate, and encourage each student to reach his or her full potential.”
As Grapevine-Colleyville ISD considers significant changes, including a vote next month on the closure of Dove and Bransford Elementary Schools, the district faces critical challenges ahead. The decision to possibly close these schools reflects ongoing fiscal pressures that have prompted the administration to reevaluate its resources and priorities.
The community will be watching closely as the district navigates these transitions, with the hope of maintaining educational standards and support for its students.
